Military service at ERAU Prescott

The Veterans Affairs Office would like to thank you for your service to our country and for choosing Embry-Riddle to fulfill your educational goals. We hope that your experience with this institution is rewarding.

The mission of the Veterans Affairs Office is to serve the educational and training needs of prospective and enrolled service members, veterans, dependents, and their survivors eligible to receive education benefits under various Department of Veterans Affairs programs.

The office is staffed with qualified veterans program administrators who provide a broad range of services. We foster peer connections, coordinate university and community support, provide general and specific information about all benefits available to men and women who are serving or who have served in the armed forces and their dependents, report enrollment information to authorized appropriate allowances, and provide other advisory counseling and referral services.

Yellow Ribbon Program logo

Post 9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP)

Embry-Riddle has entered into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to participate in the Post 9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP) to fund a portion of the cost of tuition and fees that exceed the basic tuition and fees amount payable by the VA.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Learn more about the Post 9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon program

Tuition & Fees

Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, the maximum tuition and mandatory fees at a private institution of higher learning are payable based on the annual cap set by the Department of Affairs (VA) and on the student’s eligibility percentage.

The annual cap, along with the Yellow Ribbon Program (for those who qualify), will cover the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees. If the benefit is less than 100%, then the annual cap will be pro-rated by the VA and no Yellow Ribbon funding will be paid. Payment of costs above the cap is the responsibility of the student.

The following fees are those the VA considers mandatory: Student Government Fee, Technology Fee, Health Services Fee, Facilities Fee, Engineering Fee (for those in College of Engineering programs), and Annual Health Insurance Plan.

Flight Students

The required flight training hours for each flight course, are as indicated on the Training Course Outlines (TCO). The associated cost per hour, per resource, for the TCO hours are the maximum amounts VA will consider for payment. If flight training hours exceed the number of TCO hours approved the State Approving Agency (SAA), any additional training expenses must be paid by the student and not VA. VA will cover flight course only as part of SAA approved degree program requirements which require a component of flight. Students who receive VA educational assistance for programs other than approved degree programs with a component of flight, may not take flight courses as electives or to fulfill other academic requirements. Flight courses taken outside of the SAA approved degree programs, will not be covered with VA education assistance. More information on flight costs.

VA Benefits and Flight Training

For students receiving U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Educational Assistance under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (CH33), the VA will cover certain costs associated with approved flight training at ERAU-Prescott. The amount covered depends on a variety of factors including but not limited to your eligible benefit chapter, eligibility percentage, type of flight training, degree requirements, as well as VA annual private school funding limits and ERAU/VA annual Yellow Ribbon Program funding limits.

VA will only allow payment for flight training if the flight course is listed as a requirement of an approved degree program. Flight minors and flight taken as an optional elective are not approved for VA funding. Flight courses taken outside of the approved degree programs listed above will not be covered with VA educational assistance. The current approved degree programs are listed below and found at catalog.erau.edu/prescott/:

  • Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science – Professional Pilot Track

    (BSAS-Professional Pilot). Required flight courses:

    • FA 121 Private Single-Engine Flight
    • FA 221 Instrument Single-Engine Flight
    • FA 321 Commercial Single-Engine Flight
    • FA 323 Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On
  • Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science – Flight Education Track

    (BSAS-Flight Education). Required flight courses:

    • FA 121 Private Single-Engine Flight
    • FA 221 Instrument Singl-Engine Flight
    • FA 321 Commercial Single-Engine Flight
    • FA 421 Flight Training Methods and Curriculum Analysis (CFI/CFII)
  • Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration – Flight Operations Area of Concentration (BSABA-Flight Operations). Required flight courses:
    • FA 121 Private Single-Engine Flight
    • FA 221 Instrument Single-Engine Flight
    • FA 321 Commercial Single-Engine Flight

The flight training hours for each flight course are indicated on the respective FAA Approved Training Course Outlines (TCO). They are also located in summary tables in the Prescott Campus catalog: https://catalog.erau.edu/prescott/regulations/flight/. The associated flight costs per hour and per resource for the respective TCO hours are the maximum amounts VA will consider for payment. If flight training hours and associated costs exceed the minimum approved TCO hours, any additional training expenses must be paid by the student and not the VA. For the 2025-2026 aid year, the most up to date TCO minimum costs are listed below and may be found at prescott.erau.edu/admissions/estimated-costs. TCO’s are available to all registered flight students via the ERAU Flight Department.

Approved degree programs are a result of an annual program review conducted by ERAU-Prescott’s Veteran Services staff and the Arizona Department of Veteran Services State Approving Agency (SAA). The SAA submits its annual review findings to the VA for final approval and funding authority for approved degree programs. For a list of approved degree programs, please visit the VA WEAMS site: https://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.do

 

 

Course

Description

Cost

FA 121

Private Single-Engine Flight

$22,000

FA 221

Instrument Single-Engine Flight

$14,900

FA 321

Commercial Single-Engine Flight

$16,800

FA 323

Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On

$19,000

FA 421

Flight Training Methods and Curriculum Analysis (CFI/CFII)

$20,000

Post 9/11 GI Bill® (CH33) eligibility is determined by the VA. You may visit VA.gov to apply and/or review your current eligibility. If you are CH33 100% eligible, you are also eligible for Yellow Ribbon Program benefits (YRP) as ERAU-Prescott is a YRP participating school. If your CH33 eligibility is less than 100%, you are only eligible for the prorated percentage VA benefit, not YRP.

The VA caps the amount of funding CH33 beneficiaries are entitled to if attending a private institution of higher learning. The annual cap for the 2025-2026 academic year (Fall 25, Spring 26, Summer 26) is $29,920.95 (VA Cap). Once this cap is reached, YRP funding is applied.

The Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP) is a voluntary participation agreement entered into between the school (ERAU-Prescott) and the VA. The school sets a limit on the number of students as well as the maximum amount of annual funding ERAU-Prescott will provide via the YRP (ERAU YRP Cap). The annual ERAU YRP Cap for 2025-2026 academic year (Fall 25, Spring 26, Summer 26) is $15,000. This means that once the VA Cap is reached, ERAU will pay up to $15,000 and the VA will match dollar for dollar up to $15,000 (VA YRP Cap).

Once the VA and YRP Caps are reached, any additional unmet charges must be paid out of pocket. Based on the annual limits for the 2025-2026 academic year (Fall 25, Spring 26, Summer 26), the total eligible maximum benefit payable is up to $59,920.95.

For CH33 beneficiaries with less than 100% eligibility, the maximum amount of benefit payable is $29,920.95 multiplied by your benefit eligibility percentage.  For example, an 80% beneficiary will be eligible for up to $23,936.76 in annual benefits. Again, CH33 less than 100% eligible beneficiaries are not eligible for Yellow Ribbon Program funding. 

The following scenarios are examples of how tuition, fees, and flight fees are covered by VA and/or YRP for students enrolled in an approved flight degree program. All examples assume full-time enrollment in 12 or more credit hours per semester and the TCO minimum costs for the respective flight courses. The scenarios do not factor in BAH, book stipend, other sources of aid, or other expenses such as housing and meals.  

 

CH33-100/YRP FA start, no summer
FA25 SP26 SU26 AY Total
Tuition/Fees 22,883 22,883 - 45,766
Flight Fees (FA121) 22,000 - 22,000
Total Fees 44,883 22,883 - 67,766
VA Pmt 29,921 - - 29,921
VA YR Portion 7,481 7,519 - 15,000
ER YR Portion 7,481 7,519 - 15,000
Net Balance - 7,845 - 7,845
CH33-100/YRP FA start, summer and summer flight
FA25 SP26 SU26 AY Total
Tuition/Fees 22,883 22,883 22,883 68,649
Flight Fees (FA121 and FA221) 22,000 14,900 36,900
Total Fees 44,883 22,883 37,783 105,549
VA Pmt 29,921 - - 29,921
VA YR Portion 7,481 7,519 - 15,000
ER YR Portion 7,481 7,519 - 15,000
Net Balance - 7,845 37,783 45,628
CH33-80% no YRP, FA start, no summer
FA25 SP26 SU26 AY Total
Tuition/Fees 22,883 22,883 - 45,766
Flight Fees (FA121) 22,000 - 22,000
Total Fees 44,883 22,883 - 67,766
VA Pmt 23,937 - - 23,937
VA YR Portion - - - -
ER YR Portion - - - -
Net Balance 20,946 22,883 - 43,829

For detailed information on your specific benefit eligibility, please contact our campus Veterans Benefits Coordinator, Enda Davis at 928-777-3795 or davise4@erau.edu.

Chapter 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (CH35)

If eligible, CH35 pays the dependent of an eligible service member a monthly payment sent directly to the beneficiary. The current rate for CH35 is $1,536.00 for each full month if enrolled full-time. The rate is pro-rated for less than full-time status as well as the number of days in the month enrolled. CH35 funds may be used for any eligible cost at ERAU including tuition, fees, flight etc. However, since the money is sent directly to the beneficiary, ERAU will not count it as a resource when billing. You may find more information about CH35 here: va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/education-and-careers/dependents-education-assistance/

Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)

If eligible, MGIB-SR offers up to 36 months of education benefits paid monthly sent directly to the beneficiary. The current rate for MGIB-SR is $481.00 for each full month if enrolled full-time. The rate is pro-rated for less than full-time status as well as the number of days in the month enrolled. MGIB-SR funds may be used for any eligible cost at ERAU including tuition, fees, flight etc. However, since the money is sent directly to the beneficiary, ERAU will not count it as a resource when billing. You may find more information about MGIB-SR here: va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-selected-reserve/

Chapter 31 Vocational Readiness & Employment (CH31 or VRE)

CH31/VRE is an employment benefit as much an education benefit. The beneficiary for VRE must apply for benefits through the VA and work with a VRE counselor to get full program approval. Once approved, CH31/VRE covers full tuition and fees, including flight fees (for approved programs) if relevant, as well as BAH, and books and supplies. You may find out more information about CH31/VRE here: va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/ 

For detailed information on your specific benefit eligibility, please contact our campus Veterans Benefits Coordinator, Enda Davis at 928-777-3795 or davise4@erau.edu.  

Certificate of Eligibility

Veteran students utilizing the Post 9/11 GI Bill® are required to provide ERAU with a current Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before each semester starts. The VA mails the student an updated COE every semester. Students may provide a copy of this or may print one from Vets.Gov. The COE may be emailed to davise4@erau.edu or delivered to the Veteran’s Affairs office located in the Student Veterans Resource Center (VSRC), Building 18.

Enrollment Certification Process to the Department of Affairs (VA)

All enrollment certifications are submitted to the VA electronically after ERAU’s five-day add/drop period ends each semester. The VA takes approximately 30 days to process new student enrollments and 15–30 days to process continuing student enrollments. The Cashier’s Office will defer the portion of tuition and mandatory fees that will be covered until ERAU receives payment from the VA. If the student is less than 100% eligible, the student will be responsible for the uncovered portion.

Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) & Book Stipend

The VA pays all tuition and mandatory fees directly to the school. The VA pays all BAH and book stipends directly to the student. The BAH is typically paid on the first day of each month, although it could take longer if there is a delay in the processing of your enrollment. Payment is in arrears meaning it is paid for the prior month’s enrollment. The book stipend is $1,000/per academic year. For example, if you are enrolled in 12 credits in a fall semester, the VA will pay $500 dollars and pay the balance in the spring semester. There is no book stipend paid in the summer semester.

Institutional Funded Scholarships & Yellow Ribbon Scholarships

Embry-Riddle is honored to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program. If you are a Yellow Ribbon veteran or recipient of its benefits, awards will be adjusted to reflect Embry-Riddle’s commitment to funding that program. Funding will not exceed the cost of tuition and mandatory fees in total benefits.

Other Scholarships & Sources of Financial Aid

For more information on other types of financial aid, please visit Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott Campus' Financial Aid website.

Audited or Withdrawn Courses

The VA does not pay for courses from which the student withdraws nor courses for which the student audits. In either case, this must be reported to the VA as a withdrawal. Keep in mind if you are at 12 credits and you audit a class, this will bring below full-time training. If the student withdraws or audits a course, then the VA may bill the student for the related tuition and mandatory fees as well as pro-rated amounts of BAH and book stipend.

Other Chapters

If your benefits are through other VA Chapters (30, 31, 35, or 1606) please contact our office to discuss utilizing your benefits at ERAU.

Contact Us

Veterans Affairs
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a Certified Veteran Supportive Campus
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a Certified Veteran Supportive Campus

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